St. Thomas Campus Ministry is a great student organization, and even though we disagree on a few issues, they deserve the same rights as all other student groups. However, right now this student organization is being allowed the ability to do something that is denied to all other student groups, selling food on campus. When I asked Brenda Haskins, director of auxiliary services, what other students groups would need to do to take advantage of this fundraising avenue I was told “It’s not going to happen.” This organization is receiving preferential treatment from Director Haskins. However, this school has discriminated against non-religious student groups throughout my entire time at Nicholls, and probably before that as well, so it does not really surprise me. Religious groups are allowed the ability to lease or rent spaces that have been directly denied to other student groups, I’ve asked. Now, one of these religious student groups, no matter how well intentioned the cause, is being permitted to raise money in a way denied to all other groups on campus. The students of this University, especially those who work night and day to make their organizations successful, deserve consistency and not discrimination. I believe that St. Thomas Campus Ministry should cease this fundraiser immediately out of respect for all campus groups and donate any money already raised to Nicholls to improve the ability of the student life office to assist all student organizations. Also, Nicholls Administration should issue an apology to the organizations on our campus including a promise to review all current policies relating to student groups and update them so that there is equality and consistency throughout.

Peter Jenkins

Government senior

Greensboro, NC